Picture this: a burnt-out lightbulb, a loose doorknob, or—heaven forbid—a clogged drain. For many, these are minor inconveniences that can be solved with a quick trip to the toolbox. But for Gen Z? Apparently, these tasks are akin to solving quantum physics equations. A new study reveals that younger generations are shockingly inept at basic DIY, and it’s giving boomers and millennials plenty to roll their eyes about.
Let’s talk specifics. The study found that a significant percentage of Gen Z struggles with tasks like hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and even changing lightbulbs. That’s right—lightbulbs. In an era where every answer is one Google search away, it’s baffling that these simple tasks are causing so much grief.
So, what’s the deal? Are young people just lazier than previous generations? Not necessarily. Many argue it’s a lack of necessity. Why learn how to use a wrench when TaskRabbit or your landlord can handle it for you? The digital age has provided instant solutions for nearly every inconvenience, so the incentive to learn manual skills has dwindled.
But is this really a good thing? While the convenience of outsourcing is undeniable, there’s something to be said about the pride of fixing something yourself. You can’t exactly call yourself “independent” when you need to FaceTime Dad for help with a screwdriver.
What’s even more concerning is how this skill gap might affect future generations. Homeownership is already daunting enough—imagine the chaos if no one knows how to fix a leaky faucet. Will we all just live with dripping sinks and hope for the best?
Not all hope is lost, though. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials and DIY TikToks dedicated to teaching basic home improvement skills. The problem? You have to be willing to learn, and that willingness seems to be in short supply.
Your Turn: Can You DIY?
Are you handy with a toolbox, or do you call for help at the first sign of trouble? Do you think the next generation will rise to the challenge, or is DIY a dying art? Share your thoughts below!